Freese homers in return, Cardinals beat Mets

St. Louis Cardinals third baseman David Freese (23) takes batting practice before game four of the 2012 NLCS at against the San Francisco Giants Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter G. Aiken-USA TODAY Sports

PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. (AP) - David Freese homered in his first game in a week and the St. Louis Cardinals beat the New York Mets 3-2 Thursday.

Freese had been out since March 14 with back stiffness stemming from a hard fall he took while chasing a foul ball. The 2011 World Series MVP hit a leadoff home run in the fourth and played five innings in the field.

Mets infielder Justin Turner got a hit in his return from a sprained ankle. He had a pinch-hit single in the sixth, then went from first to third on hit.

Cardinals starter Adam Wainwright gave up two runs on three hits, including a two-run triple by Matt den Dekker, in 4 2-3 innings. He struck out three and walked three.

Mets starter Jeremy Hefner allowed two runs on five hits with three walks in five innings. Bobby Parnell pitched a perfect ninth.

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